Social climbing 101

THEN: April 5, 1989

Filipinos are party people and most are snooty about those who belong and those who don’t in the parties they give. This kind of predilection spawned some interesting social climbers. Some do it because they need to imbibe champagne and foie de gras at least once a week (and they cannot afford it). Some do it to trap marriage prospects for their sons and daughters. Wives do it to secure their husbands’ position in business or politics. And some, because it is great fun. I find social climbing delightful and it takes a kind of spirit to be successful at it. There’s no end to parties and also snobberies, so, if you have to social climb, you might as well be adept at it.

Here are some pointers:

Consider social climbing as an art. It’s worth all the effort and highly recommended for those who want to push their husbands in politics and finance. It’s not really who you know but how they know you that counts. Pedigree is important in society as in a dog show. If you don’t have pedigree to be proud of, invent one. I’m sure somewhere in your family tree there must be a pope or an impoverished lord several times removed. It is nice if you have a friar in your ancestry. He might be Spanish royalty or a warrior in another generation.

This might get you an invitation to the House of Sin. Cardinal Sin’s parties are very exclusive. Journalism has made me adept at social climbing. But then I have enough practice at it. It started way back in my hometown where social stratification was very steep and you cannot go anywhere unless you come from old money. I invented a descendant on my mother side that could be traced to Queen Elizabeth herself. I got some awesome respect in school after that.

What is fun about being an adept social climber is your ability to detect one. It takes one to know one. She likes to wear labels — Cardin, YSL, Valentino and the like, usually hanging out of her visibly. The clothes don’t look good on her and it could be from some night market in Hong Kong or RTW in Taytay.

Anyway, a series of recent events put the art into practice. There was the Rhumba launching of SANOFI at the InterCon poolside attended by beautiful people in the business. Pilar Palabrica with Daniel Mallet talked with Jo Ramos, Marissa Araneta, Lissa Nakpil and Maurice Arcache. Yes, they talk sometimes. Lower your eyebrows. It was a stunning success with the bottle of the latest fragrance wafting from the poolside, filling up the atmosphere. How’s that for effect? Others who were there were Baby Arenas, the French ambassador, Genevieve Huang, Gina Mapua, Pierre Brunet and Baby Fernando in a stunning bustier.

Bea Zobel Jr.

Frannie Zamora has inaugurated Franiel for Men at his boudoir in Pasay. Bobong Velez, Susan Roces, Digna Rosales, Oskar Peralta, Wilson Tieng and Robbie Tan were very visible sponsors. Digna Rosales was a knockout in her own design — a black number that showed off her slim figure. Then from showbiz there were Inday Badiday with Gene Palomo and two gorgeous models-turned-actresses, Chat Silayan and Maya dela Cuesta.

See what interesting people you meet by going to parties? But aside from parties, those wishing for social mobility should consider schools, clubs and sports arenas which are indicative of class. The schools run by nuns teach their students social graces to prepare them for high society. Clubs are in, too, and to be a member of the Polo Club, you are with the horsey breed which spells money. In sports, polo and golf top the list, and if you play only pekwa and pusoy, forget it.

NOW: Oct.14, 2010

Social climbing is still an art. But it is more subtle now. The super rich and old money are opening their minds to all the classes. It is only the noveau riche who are still snobbing the lower class. The acceptance of entrepreneurship also changed the landscape of society. A small or medium ranged businessman can now hobnob with the alta sociedad especially after being featured in the columns of Maurice Arcache and Johnny Litton. From social climbing there is a new art in climbing down. Like Bea Zobel Jr. who likes to rough it up in Bohol to enjoy the company of the proletariat. The rich are different from you and me but they can also enjoy the simple life of the masses.